Modellpularn Posted March 13, 2007 Posted March 13, 2007 Here's a project I started maybe ten years ago, when I made the first cut on the JO-HAN Mercedes... I didn't like the rear end of the body. And I had some idea of using a 32-34 Ford chassis. So after lopping off the rear end, I then proceeded to narrow the body to fit a Ford chassis. After some tinkering, I found that the rear section of a 34 Ford fit very good on the Merc. The side molding of the Merc mated perfectly with the Ford! Then it was "just" a matter of blending the bodies together. Had to make a new molding for the bottom, and the Li'l Merrod was born! I've used a Li'l Coffin chassis, and that's how I came up with the name - finally... :roll: I was inspired by the rod on the Beach Boys' album "Little Deuce Coupe", and swiped the front end from AMT's double kit 40 Willys/32 Ford sedan. I thought it would be so cool, but I found it sitting way too far in front, too much space between the engine. What do you think? Here's a new idea I'm toying with, 34 Ford grille, will have molded in headlights. Rear end, 56 Ford custom pan, narrowed.
Steve H. Posted March 13, 2007 Posted March 13, 2007 Thats a great looking Hot Rod! You're right, though, the front is hard to figure out. Definitely not the double kit grill, too clunky. The 34 grill works, but leaning it like that (you're matching the cowl angle, right?) looks forced, also. Just for chuckles you should see if a upright 32 grill will fit between the frame rails, behind the front suspension. Hope you find an answer, because that model deserves to get finished!
Paul Payne Posted March 13, 2007 Posted March 13, 2007 I like the 34 grille too, I assume you will add a grille surround which the headlight buckets will be molded to? I love the poseable steering, great job overall, how about more pix?
Matt T. Posted March 13, 2007 Posted March 13, 2007 SWEET! Dig that swoopy door line and laid back pillars! Definitely a no-go on the first grille. Like Paul mentioned, maybe build up the outside of the '34 grille, like a '35 Ford pickup-style, then mold in some vertical quads?? I love the color and rear rollpan too!
Modellpularn Posted March 14, 2007 Author Posted March 14, 2007 SWEET! Dig that swoopy door line and laid back pillars! Definitely a no-go on the first grille. Like Paul mentioned, maybe build up the outside of the '34 grille, like a '35 Ford pickup-style, then mold in some vertical quads?? I love the color and rear rollpan too! Thanks Matt! That's my idea for a new grille. It's just mocked up, that's why the angle is a bit weird.
Modelmartin Posted March 14, 2007 Posted March 14, 2007 How about no grille? Lay the radiator flat underneath the car somewhere and just have the motor and some low mounted headlights. It could be a good look.
Modellpularn Posted March 14, 2007 Author Posted March 14, 2007 Here's a collage of construction pics: No grille Andy??? Nahh..."I don't think so, Tim" to quote Home Improvement Tim's sidekick Al :wink:
oldcars Posted March 14, 2007 Posted March 14, 2007 The color is just right. The front end needs something but not sure what. The rear roll pan only needs its taillight put in and it is set. Looking good. 8)
Modelmartin Posted March 14, 2007 Posted March 14, 2007 I tend to do radical things. See pic. That's why I suggested no rad shell. The first custom grill you had would look good if it could reconstructed a little shorter and narrower and raked back like the 34 grille. By the way, you have a great looking car going there.
USAC_1957 Posted March 14, 2007 Posted March 14, 2007 Andy, that is one of my all-time favorite models! A question-were the centrifugal superchargers scratchbuilt?
Modelmartin Posted March 14, 2007 Posted March 14, 2007 No. They came from my parts box and I was told they were an option on an early 60s AMT pick-up kit. I don't know which one. Thanks for the kind words. I am going to enter it in it's first contest at GSL this year. I know it will freak out Mark G. :shock: but that is half the fun! :twisted:
Modellpularn Posted March 15, 2007 Author Posted March 15, 2007 Hey guys, now you're hijackin the thread! Send a pm if you want to talk about something else, ok?!
Modellpularn Posted October 19, 2009 Author Posted October 19, 2009 I've been tinkering with this one again, and the solution was probably too easy to figure out....! I just moved the whole "clunky" grille about half an inch back, and voila', it looks so much better! I'll take some pics when I can get the camera to load them into my 'puter..... I might cut away some material on the backside of the grille - to make it less clunky. Pics will come.....
Custom Hearse Posted October 19, 2009 Posted October 19, 2009 Hey Hans! Glad to see you're working on it again! I'm looking forward to seeing some pics on it. My "Merodder" is on hold right now... I hope to get it going again soon. Keep up the great work on yours, I'm lovin' it!
Modellpularn Posted October 19, 2009 Author Posted October 19, 2009 Here it is now, looks better huh?
Custom Hearse Posted October 19, 2009 Posted October 19, 2009 Here it is now, looks better huh? Hmmmm... I think I liked it better with the grill farther forward. It gave a better view of the engine. It looks too crowded now to me. I would move the grill shell forward to where the headlights are just behind the spring perches. It's whatever way you like it though... It's a good looking build!
Modellpularn Posted October 20, 2009 Author Posted October 20, 2009 Well Marshall, right now the front end just sits on the frame. I have to get a radiator in there also. But it's got the right look now I think. Maybe some scallops in candy red to top it off. Something more to add a little style, or flash.
Custom Hearse Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 Well Marshall, right now the front end just sits on the frame. I have to get a radiator in there also. But it's got the right look now I think. Maybe some scallops in candy red to top it off. Something more to add a little style, or flash. Not sure about red... Maybe scallops done in a darker metallic green? Or maybe flames (I'm crazy for flames )?
Rick Schmidt Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 I lean more towards the 34 grille. What happen to the meceredes grille ?? it could be a nice option too
jbwelda Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 i like that quad headlamp grille too, and it definately looks better back closer to the motor. i think youre going in the right direction if you can notch the grille and get it to sit down lower over the crossbeam. what i think it really needs is to have the frame shortened about 3/8" between where the front of the motor is and the front axle. that would make the grille look right the way you first had it. but it does look like youve got the frame painted and built so not sure its worth tearing all that apart to modify the frame at this point. cool looking model though; i never would have recognized benz in there!
Geezerman Posted October 20, 2009 Posted October 20, 2009 That's a sweet looking coupe. Nice work !!!! Personally, I like the 34 grille. Quad headlights on a hot rod don't work for me.
Big 'N' Grumpy Posted October 23, 2009 Posted October 23, 2009 Is that an Edsel grill.I like edsel grills on old customs.Cool car by the way.
Modellpularn Posted October 24, 2009 Author Posted October 24, 2009 Thanks for your input guys! For me, this is not a hot rod, it's more of a custom rod. And that front end piece is really stirring up feelings.....! I'll keep you posted of the progress.
Modellpularn Posted January 11, 2011 Author Posted January 11, 2011 It's time to finish this sucker! Since I plan to attend the NNL West, and bring this one, again.... But now in a more complete state than last time. I have little less than five weeks. 1. Redo the grille/headlights. 2. Change the headers. 3. Interior. Go with buckets instead of the bench. 4. Taillight. 5. Add some scallops, in purple candy maybe.
Modellpularn Posted January 12, 2011 Author Posted January 12, 2011 I have seen the light, so to speak, concerning the headlights.... Went through some different headlight buckets, and then decided to use the custom buckets from AMT's '57 Chevy. I want the hooded style, but they are too small or short. I'll just cut them, and extend them, so the quad lights will fit inside. I'm also going to add material to the sides on the buckets and grille. I'm all fired up about this idea! The interior will most likely get the custom buckets and dash from AMT's '37 Chevy.
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